WonderSwan vs Vectrex
Please select two different options.
The Vectrex and WonderSwan are two unique gaming consoles from the past, each offering its own set of features and games. The Vectrex is known for its vector graphics display and built-in screen, while the WonderSwan boasts a portable design and a wide range of games.
General information
WonderSwan
Vectrex
Introduction :
The WonderSwan was a handheld game console released by Bandai in 1999 in Japan. It featured a monochrome screen and a unique vertical design, making it stand out among other handheld consoles of its time. While it was not as popular as other handhelds like the Game Boy, the WonderSwan has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors, making it a sought-after classic in the gaming community.
The WonderSwan was a handheld game console released by Bandai in 1999 in Japan. It featured a monochrome screen and a unique vertical design, making it stand out among other handheld consoles of its time. While it was not as popular as other handhelds like the Game Boy, the WonderSwan has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors, making it a sought-after classic in the gaming community.
Introduction :
The Vectrex is a unique games console released in 1982 that gained popularity for its vector graphics display and built-in screen. It was marketed as a standalone system with its own library of games. Despite its short lifespan, the Vectrex has become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors due to its innovative design and limited availability. It is considered a rare and sought-after console in the gaming community.
The Vectrex is a unique games console released in 1982 that gained popularity for its vector graphics display and built-in screen. It was marketed as a standalone system with its own library of games. Despite its short lifespan, the Vectrex has become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors due to its innovative design and limited availability. It is considered a rare and sought-after console in the gaming community.
Advantages :
- Portable design makes it easy to game on the go
- Unique vertical orientation for a different gaming experience
- Long battery life for extended play sessions
- Wide variety of games available, including popular franchises
- Affordable price point compared to other handheld consoles
Advantages :
- Unique vector graphics display
- Built-in screen eliminates need for TV
- Portable and self-contained
- Innovative controller with analog joystick
- Retro appeal for collectors
Disadvantages :
- Limited game library
- Lack of third-party support
- Small screen size
- Short battery life
- Limited accessories available
Disadvantages :
- Limited game library compared to modern consoles.
- Lack of color graphics may not appeal to some players.
- Bulky design may not fit well in modern entertainment setups.
- Limited availability of accessories and replacement parts.
- Lack of online connectivity for multiplayer gaming.
Year launched : 1999
The WonderSwan was launched in 1999, offering a portable gaming experience with a monochrome screen. Despite facing tough competition, it gained popularity in Japan and had a variety of game titles.
The WonderSwan was launched in 1999, offering a portable gaming experience with a monochrome screen. Despite facing tough competition, it gained popularity in Japan and had a variety of game titles.
Year launched : 1982
The Vectrex was launched in 1982, offering a unique gaming experience with vector graphics. Despite its short lifespan, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Vectrex was launched in 1982, offering a unique gaming experience with vector graphics. Despite its short lifespan, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Manufacturer : Bandai
Bandai, a Japanese toy and video game company, manufactured the WonderSwan handheld gaming console. Known for its unique design and library of games, the WonderSwan was a popular choice among gamers.
Bandai, a Japanese toy and video game company, manufactured the WonderSwan handheld gaming console. Known for its unique design and library of games, the WonderSwan was a popular choice among gamers.
Manufacturer : Smith Engineering
Smith Engineering was the manufacturer of the Vectrex games console, known for its vector graphics display. The console was released in 1982 and offered a unique gaming experience for its time.
Smith Engineering was the manufacturer of the Vectrex games console, known for its vector graphics display. The console was released in 1982 and offered a unique gaming experience for its time.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The WonderSwan had limited popularity compared to other consoles, with lower sales numbers and a smaller market share. It is considered a niche console among collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
The WonderSwan had limited popularity compared to other consoles, with lower sales numbers and a smaller market share. It is considered a niche console among collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Vectrex was not a commercial success, with only around 1 million units sold during its production run. It had a niche market appeal due to its unique vector graphics display, but was overshadowed by more popular consoles of its time.
The Vectrex was not a commercial success, with only around 1 million units sold during its production run. It had a niche market appeal due to its unique vector graphics display, but was overshadowed by more popular consoles of its time.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The WonderSwan is a portable handheld console designed for gaming on the go. Its compact form factor allows for easy transport and gameplay anywhere, making it ideal for travel or commutes.
The WonderSwan is a portable handheld console designed for gaming on the go. Its compact form factor allows for easy transport and gameplay anywhere, making it ideal for travel or commutes.
Form factor : Home console.
The Vectrex console is designed as a home console, meant to be played in a stationary location rather than on the go. It features a built-in screen and controllers for a complete gaming experience.
The Vectrex console is designed as a home console, meant to be played in a stationary location rather than on the go. It features a built-in screen and controllers for a complete gaming experience.
Official website :
https://www.bandainamcoent.com/
Official website :
https://www.vectrex.com/
Market and availability
WonderSwan
Vectrex
Console markets :
Console markets :
The Vectrex was primarily available in North America and Europe during its original release in the 1980s. It was not widely distributed in other regions, making it a sought-after collector's item today.
The Vectrex was primarily available in North America and Europe during its original release in the 1980s. It was not widely distributed in other regions, making it a sought-after collector's item today.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The WonderSwan is considered retro and collectible due to its limited release and unique library of games. Its popularity among collectors and nostalgic gamers has driven up its value in recent years.
The WonderSwan is considered retro and collectible due to its limited release and unique library of games. Its popularity among collectors and nostalgic gamers has driven up its value in recent years.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Vectrex Games Console is now considered retro and highly collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique vector graphics and limited production make it a sought-after item for collectors.
The Vectrex Games Console is now considered retro and highly collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique vector graphics and limited production make it a sought-after item for collectors.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The WonderSwan can be found on the secondhand market fairly easily, but availability may vary depending on the region. It is considered a collectible item for retro gaming enthusiasts.
The WonderSwan can be found on the secondhand market fairly easily, but availability may vary depending on the region. It is considered a collectible item for retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Vectrex console can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. It is considered a collectible item, so prices can be higher for well-maintained units.
The Vectrex console can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. It is considered a collectible item, so prices can be higher for well-maintained units.
🟡 Console cost : Average.
The WonderSwan can vary in price depending on its condition and availability. It is considered an average cost console compared to other options on the market, with prices influenced by its rarity.
The WonderSwan can vary in price depending on its condition and availability. It is considered an average cost console compared to other options on the market, with prices influenced by its rarity.
🔴 Console cost : High.
The relative cost of the Vectrex Games Console is high due to its rarity and popularity among collectors. Prices can vary depending on the condition and included accessories, making it a valuable item for retro gaming enthusiasts.
The relative cost of the Vectrex Games Console is high due to its rarity and popularity among collectors. Prices can vary depending on the condition and included accessories, making it a valuable item for retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the WonderSwan can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. Some titles may be harder to come by due to the console's limited release outside of Japan.
Games for the WonderSwan can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. Some titles may be harder to come by due to the console's limited release outside of Japan.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Vectrex can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as common as newer consoles, there is a decent selection available for collectors and enthusiasts.
Games for the Vectrex can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as common as newer consoles, there is a decent selection available for collectors and enthusiasts.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
The relative cost of games for the WonderSwan is average. While some games may be more affordable due to lower demand, others may be harder to find and therefore more expensive on the second-hand market.
The relative cost of games for the WonderSwan is average. While some games may be more affordable due to lower demand, others may be harder to find and therefore more expensive on the second-hand market.
🔴 Game costs : High.
The relative cost of games for the Vectrex is considered high due to its rarity and collectible nature. Games for this console can be expensive to purchase, especially in good condition.
The relative cost of games for the Vectrex is considered high due to its rarity and collectible nature. Games for this console can be expensive to purchase, especially in good condition.
Technology
WonderSwan
Vectrex
Architecture : 16-bit.
The WonderSwan uses a 16-bit architecture, providing decent graphics and gameplay capabilities for its time. While not as powerful as later consoles, it still offered a good gaming experience.
The WonderSwan uses a 16-bit architecture, providing decent graphics and gameplay capabilities for its time. While not as powerful as later consoles, it still offered a good gaming experience.
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Vectrex Games Console uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture provided simple yet effective processing power for the time.
The Vectrex Games Console uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture provided simple yet effective processing power for the time.
CPU : NEC V30MZ
The WonderSwan uses the NEC V30MZ CPU, which is a 16-bit processor known for its efficiency and performance in handling games on this handheld console.
The WonderSwan uses the NEC V30MZ CPU, which is a 16-bit processor known for its efficiency and performance in handling games on this handheld console.
CPU : M6809
The Vectrex games console uses the Motorola 6809 CPU, known for its efficient performance in handling graphics and gameplay. This processor was a notable feature of the console's design.
The Vectrex games console uses the Motorola 6809 CPU, known for its efficient performance in handling graphics and gameplay. This processor was a notable feature of the console's design.
Memory : 256 Kb
The WonderSwan has 256 Kb of memory, allowing for storage of game data and system operations. While small by today's standards, it was sufficient for the games of its time.
The WonderSwan has 256 Kb of memory, allowing for storage of game data and system operations. While small by today's standards, it was sufficient for the games of its time.
Memory : 1 Kb
The Vectrex Games Console has 1 Kb of memory, which was considered a decent amount for gaming in the early 1980s. This limited memory capacity influenced the types of games that could be developed for the console.
The Vectrex Games Console has 1 Kb of memory, which was considered a decent amount for gaming in the early 1980s. This limited memory capacity influenced the types of games that could be developed for the console.
Video output : Composite
The WonderSwan has composite video output connections, which can be used to connect to older TVs or modern TVs with the appropriate adapters.
The WonderSwan has composite video output connections, which can be used to connect to older TVs or modern TVs with the appropriate adapters.
Video output : RF and composite
The Vectrex console has RF and composite video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
The Vectrex console has RF and composite video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The specific details about a dedicated GPU in the WonderSwan are not readily available. Further research may be needed to determine the presence and capabilities of a dedicated GPU in this console.
The specific details about a dedicated GPU in the WonderSwan are not readily available. Further research may be needed to determine the presence and capabilities of a dedicated GPU in this console.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The Vectrex is an older console released in the 1980s, and specific details about its hardware components, such as a dedicated GPU, are not widely documented. Further research may be needed for confirmation.
The Vectrex is an older console released in the 1980s, and specific details about its hardware components, such as a dedicated GPU, are not widely documented. Further research may be needed for confirmation.
⚪ Internet connected : Unknown.
The WonderSwan's internet connectivity is unknown. It does not have any notable details such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities mentioned in its specifications.
The WonderSwan's internet connectivity is unknown. It does not have any notable details such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities mentioned in its specifications.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The Vectrex games console is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features such as ethernet or wifi for online connectivity.
The Vectrex games console is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features such as ethernet or wifi for online connectivity.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The WonderSwan primarily uses game cartridges as its game format. These cartridges are inserted into the console to play games, making it a convenient and portable gaming device.
The WonderSwan primarily uses game cartridges as its game format. These cartridges are inserted into the console to play games, making it a convenient and portable gaming device.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Vectrex is cartridges. These cartridges contain the game software and are inserted into the console to play different games. The Vectrex does not use CDs or downloads for games.
The primary game format for the Vectrex is cartridges. These cartridges contain the game software and are inserted into the console to play different games. The Vectrex does not use CDs or downloads for games.
Gaming
WonderSwan
Vectrex
Controllers : 1 controller / 1 player
The WonderSwan typically supports one controller for single-player gameplay. It does not have built-in multiplayer capabilities, requiring additional consoles and copies of the game for multiplayer experiences.
The WonderSwan typically supports one controller for single-player gameplay. It does not have built-in multiplayer capabilities, requiring additional consoles and copies of the game for multiplayer experiences.
Controllers : 2 controllers
The Vectrex console supports two wired controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy classic titles together, adding a social element to the gaming experience on this retro console.
The Vectrex console supports two wired controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy classic titles together, adding a social element to the gaming experience on this retro console.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The WonderSwan's online multiplayer capabilities are not well-documented, and it is unclear if it supported online play. Further research may be needed to determine its multiplayer functionality.
The WonderSwan's online multiplayer capabilities are not well-documented, and it is unclear if it supported online play. Further research may be needed to determine its multiplayer functionality.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Vectrex is a vintage console released in the 1980s, and online multiplayer capabilities were not common during that era. It is unlikely to support online multiplayer, but check for any modern adaptations or hacks.
The Vectrex is a vintage console released in the 1980s, and online multiplayer capabilities were not common during that era. It is unlikely to support online multiplayer, but check for any modern adaptations or hacks.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the WonderSwan were released in a decent manner, with a variety of popular titles available. However, due to the console's limited popularity, finding certain titles may be more challenging.
Game titles for the WonderSwan were released in a decent manner, with a variety of popular titles available. However, due to the console's limited popularity, finding certain titles may be more challenging.
🟢 Number of titles : Good.
Game titles for the Vectrex were released physically on cartridges, making them easily collectible today. The secondhand market for Vectrex games is active, with a variety of titles available for purchase.
Game titles for the Vectrex were released physically on cartridges, making them easily collectible today. The secondhand market for Vectrex games is active, with a variety of titles available for purchase.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The WonderSwan has notable exclusive games such as 'Final Fantasy' titles, 'Gunpey', and 'Rhyme Rider Kerorican'. These games are iconic within the WonderSwan community.
The WonderSwan has notable exclusive games such as 'Final Fantasy' titles, 'Gunpey', and 'Rhyme Rider Kerorican'. These games are iconic within the WonderSwan community.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Vectrex has several exclusive and iconic games such as MineStorm, Star Castle, and Armor Attack. These games were specifically designed to take advantage of the console's vector graphics display.
The Vectrex has several exclusive and iconic games such as MineStorm, Star Castle, and Armor Attack. These games were specifically designed to take advantage of the console's vector graphics display.
When choosing between the Vectrex and WonderSwan, consider your preference for gaming experience and portability. The Vectrex offers a nostalgic and unique gaming experience with its vector graphics, while the WonderSwan provides convenience with its portable design and diverse game library. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your gaming priorities and preferences.